Building a Future of Work Where All Generations Thrive
Reflections from a panel at Land O’Lakes
I’ve led a lot of workshops over the years—but something felt different in mid-June, when I returned to Land O’Lakes to facilitate an intergenerational panel hosted by their Aging Successfully ERG.
This wasn’t a single department comparing notes. These panelists came from across the company, yet shared a common purpose: putting farmers and agricultural retailers at the heart of creating a better world. That shared mission is part of what makes Land O’Lakes so unique. They've been around for over 100 years—and if this panel is any indication, they’ll be thriving for at least another century.
What stood out wasn’t just the insight—it was the respect, the humor, and the deep curiosity participants showed across generational lines.
A Culture Already Rooted in Belonging
Land O’Lakes is already recognized for its leadership in DEI. They understand that real inclusion means welcoming not just people of all identities, but also the wisdom, questions, and work styles that different generations bring to the table. So when I asked the panel to imagine what it would look like if Land O’Lakes were known as an industry leader in intergenerational collaboration, here’s what they envisioned:
🌱 1. A Growth Mindset Modeled by Leaders
At Land O’Lakes, learning is modeled from the top down and the bottom up. Mentoring flows both directions—whether it’s a seasoned engineer helping a young hire learn the ropes or a Gen Z team member showing a senior leader how to use a new platform. As one panelist put it:
“In-the-weeds knowledge deserves to be considered alongside higher-level strategy.”
That kind of humility flattens the hierarchy just enough to make room for genuine conversations across age and title. And it’s how transparency is born.
🧠 2. “Why?” Isn’t a Threat—It’s a Practice
Psychological safety isn’t a slogan at LOL—it shows up in how people talk. You hear “why?” a lot. Why do we do it this way? Why change it now? Those questions aren’t dismissed—they’re appreciated. And they’re asked by everyone, from new hires to longtime team members. It’s part of how people build relevance, not just compliance.
🤝 3. Onboarding as Cross-Generational Connection
Forget the 20-page Word doc. Panelists imagined an onboarding experience that includes short-form video, infographics, and—most importantly—relationships. New hires would be paired with a co-mentor from a different generation. The goal? Normalize asking for help, offering support, and learning together across experience levels. That’s how you sustain a culture, not just introduce one.
💻 4. Tech Training with No Shame
One panelist said it best:
“We no longer assume anyone has a baseline proficiency with any tool. We meet people where they are.”
Whether you're a digital native or still easing into Teams, the expectation is not perfection—it’s participation. That’s how you make tech adoption equitable and effective.
A Personal Note: What Made Me Teary
As I listened, I found myself thinking, “I want to belong here.”
That’s not something a 70-year-old often says after leading a corporate workshop. But this panel gave me hope: that workplaces can be spaces where elders are honored and supported to grow. Where asking “why?” isn’t seen as defiant, but as a sign of engagement. Where younger colleagues help older ones feel relevant—and not out of pity, but partnership.
When Gen Z panelist Emilie said,
“Older generations bring deep experiences and valuable perspectives,”
I felt a lump in my throat. That’s what aging successfully looks like—not just surviving, but being seen.
What Happens Next?
The Aging Successfully ERG at Land O’Lakes has over 500 members. Under the leadership of Jeremy Dumond,and Jennifer Spencer, they are advancing a workplace culture that respects tradition and pushes boundaries—exactly what a cooperative like Land O’Lakes was built for.
Why does it matter?
Because America is aging. As futurist Bradley Schurman reminds us, recruitment and retention strategies must honor the needs and strengths of older workers, just as much as younger ones. That’s how we build workplaces that thrive across generations.
Land O’Lakes has said it clearly:
We are committed to preserving people and the planet for future generations.
That means everyone—elders and emerging leaders alike—has something to teach, something to learn, and a role to play.
Want to Join the Conversation?
What’s one small step your organization could take to make intergenerational collaboration part of your culture—not just your calendar?
I'd love to hear.
Talk soon,
Mary
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P.S. Thanks Cameron Martinez, Emilie Bartels, Rebecca Trudeau, Aaron Lockrem Jackie Massman, Kevin Barton, Jody Huempfner, Jeremy Dumond, and Belinda Burkitt for making this wonderful event possible.